Texas Instruments MSP430G2855IDA38R

Overview

MSP430G2855IDA38R from Texas Instruments is a 16-bit ultra-low-power mixed-signal microcontroller in 38-pin TSSOP (DA) package, featuring 48 kB flash, 4 kB RAM, dual 16-bit Timer_A modules, one 16-bit Timer_B, 10-bit 200-ksps ADC with 12 channels, USCI_A0/USCI_B0 for UART/IrDA/SPI/I²C, and on-chip comparator. It targets battery-powered sensor nodes and portable measurement systems requiring <1 µs wake-up and sub-µA standby current.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430G2855IDA38R datasheet, MSP430G2855IDA38R pinout, MSP430G2855IDA38R application, or MSP430G2855IDA38R equivalent, key selection criteria include its 48 kB flash capacity, 48 I/O count (including 32 touch-sense-capable pins), 12-channel ADC with autoscan and DTC support, dual USCI modules with LIN auto-baud detection, and verified 0.7 µA LPM3 standby power consumption.

Technical Context

The MSP430G2855IDA38R implements a 16-bit RISC CPU with 62.5-ns instruction cycle time, constant generators, and seven addressing modes. Its basic clock system integrates DCO (calibrated to 1/8/12/16 MHz), 32-kHz crystal support, and internal VLO - enabling flexible low-power timing across five software-selectable LPM modes.

Peripherals are memory-mapped and accessible via all instructions. The device uses Spy-Bi-Wire (SBW) for programming and debugging, supports BSL via UART on P1.1/P2.2, and includes hardware-based brownout detection, programmable pullup/pulldown resistors on all I/O, and pin-oscillator enable for capacitive touch sensing on up to 32 pins.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 38-pin Thin Shrink Small Outline Package (TSSOP), DA variant - 9.7 mm × 4.4 mm footprint, 0.65 mm pitch, suitable for high-density PCB layouts with thermal pad grounding optional.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar microcontroller applications.

Compared with MSP430G2955IDA38 and MSP430G2755IDA38, the MSP430G2855IDA38R delivers optimal balance of code space (48 kB), I/O count (48), and peripheral integration for mid-tier sensor edge nodes - avoiding both flash shortage and cost premium of higher variants.

Availability

MSP430G2855IDA38R is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, portable medical monitors, smart building occupancy systems, and asset tracking beacons requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for MSP430G2855IDA38R includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor leader delivering analog and embedded processing solutions, with decades of expertise in ultra-low-power microcontrollers and precision analog signal chains.

The MSP430G2xx series was designed specifically for battery-operated measurement applications demanding nanowatt-level power management, fast wake-up, and integrated analog peripherals - targeting sensor hubs, wearables, and energy-harvesting systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MSP430G2855IDA38R?

The MSP430G2855IDA38R supports a maximum MCLK frequency of 16 MHz, achieved using the internal digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) calibrated to 16 MHz at 3 V and 30°C. This frequency is stored in information memory segment A and can be selected via RSEL/DCO register settings. The DCO stabilizes in less than 1 µs, enabling rapid transitions from low-power modes to full-speed execution. External HF crystals up to 16 MHz are also supported for higher accuracy timing.

Does the MSP430G2855IDA38R support hardware UART with auto-baud rate detection?

Yes, the MSP430G2855IDA38R's USCI_A0 module supports enhanced UART with LIN-compliant auto-baud rate detection. This feature allows the MSP430G2855IDA38R to automatically synchronize to incoming serial frames without prior knowledge of the transmitter's baud rate - essential for interoperability with legacy automotive or industrial bus systems. Auto-baud is implemented in hardware and requires no CPU intervention during detection.

How many analog input channels does the ADC10 on the MSP430G2855IDA38R support?

The ADC10 module on the MSP430G2855IDA38R supports 12 analog input channels (A0–A7, A12–A15), confirmed in Table 1 of the SLAS800 datasheet. These channels are accessible via dedicated pins including P2.0–P2.4, P3.4–P3.7, and P4.3–P4.7. The ADC supports autoscan mode, allowing sequential conversion of all 12 channels in a single trigger event with direct memory transfer via DTC - reducing CPU load in multi-sensor applications.

Can the MSP430G2855IDA38R perform capacitive touch sensing without external components?

Yes, the MSP430G2855IDA38R supports capacitive touch sensing on up to 32 I/O pins using its integrated pin oscillator circuitry. No external RC networks or dedicated touch controller ICs are required. Touch functionality is enabled per-pin via the PxIES and PxSEL registers, and measurements are performed using the built-in comparator and Timer_A capture units. This capability is explicitly documented in the device description and functional block diagram of the SLAS800 datasheet.

What debug interface does the MSP430G2855IDA38R use, and what pins are required?

The MSP430G2855IDA38R uses the two-wire Spy-Bi-Wire (SBW) interface for debugging and programming, requiring only TEST/SBWTCK (Pin 1) and RST/NMI/SBWTDIO (Pin 6) - eliminating the need for full 4-wire JTAG. This compact interface is fully supported by TI's MSP-FET and LaunchPad development tools. The SBW protocol operates at standard supply voltage (1.8–3.6 V), with no external programming voltage required, simplifying target board design and test fixture integration.